A philosopher once called theater “the mask of convention over the face of society in the mirror of the unknown reflecting the rear view of the sports car of destiny.” Take a test drive in Shakespeare’s sports car with today’s GrouponLive deal: for $20, you get one general-admission ticket to Hamlet at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival in Cold Spring (up to a $49 value, depending on the date). See the schedule for available show dates and times. This Groupon expires on August 31, 2011.

Located on the stunning grounds of Boscobel overlooking the Hudson River, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival envelops theatergoers in a critically acclaimed outdoor theater experience blanket. This season, viewers can lend an eye and ear to the company under the direction of Terrence O'Brien, the founding artistic director of the festival, as the cast performs Hamlet, a psychological thriller known for its bewitching plot, Oedipal subtext, and elaborate car chases. This positively reviewed adaptation of Shakespeare's classic enthralls audiences with dramatic performances and famous soliloquies, including the legendary job interview between Hamlet and Yorick's skull.